Not sure if I LOVE my aquascape

[danenelsen]

Hello everyone,

Recently I've been thinking about my aquascape. I set up the tank in late October and kind of just threw in the rock. Since then, I've changed it once but I'm still not sure if I like it. It's a standard 55 gallon, which I know is not the best for aquascaping but I still think I could improve it. Any ideas? I like the looks of more minimalist tanks and more open swimming space.

 

[workhz]

As I look at it, the formation on the right looks fine. The formation on the left looks like something is missing and I kinda like open space in the middle so maybe if you took that large middle rock and turned it 30-35 degrees to the left (to sort of encircle the rocks on the left and create some open space in the middle).

That pic makes your 55 look like it has more depth than I remember a 55 having.

 

[19Mateo83]

Check this out, it may help you find a balance that is pleasing to your eye.

Tips and Tricks on Creating Amazing Aquascapes

Being a artist for fun and profession, I see things different than most people. I decided to create a article about composition, balance, color, and depth within your reef aquarium. I really hope this can help some of you out to create your dream...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[MoshJosh]

I want to start by saying it's not bad. Assuming there are no flow issues, it will look fine when covered in corals. . .

That said it is a little tall and symmetrical for me. Also, the tower on left looks to be a pillar, which may limit you from putting coral anywhere other than directly on top.

I do like the "mountain" on the right, maybe leave that and make an arch off of it while making the left pillar different. Or leave the mountain and make a short but wide arch on the left? . . . I like arches

 

[workhz]

Was thinking like this:

 

[danenelsen]

As I look at it, the formation on the right looks fine. The formation on the left looks like something is missing and I kinda like open space in the middle so maybe if you took that large middle rock and turned it 30-35 degrees to the left (to sort of encircle the rocks on the left and create some open space in the middle).

That pic makes your 55 look like it has more depth than I remember a 55 having.

Thanks for the suggestion! I believe the tank is the standard dimensions so it must just be the picture.

 

[danenelsen]

Check this out, it may help you find a balance that is pleasing to your eye.

Tips and Tricks on Creating Amazing Aquascapes

Being a artist for fun and profession, I see things different than most people. I decided to create a article about composition, balance, color, and depth within your reef aquarium. I really hope this can help some of you out to create your dream...

www.reef2reef.com

Great read! Thank you!

 

[danenelsen]

I want to start by saying it's not bad. Assuming there are no flow issues, it will look fine when covered in corals. . .

That said it is a little tall and symmetrical for me. Also, the tower on left looks to be a pillar, which may limit you from putting coral anywhere other than directly on top.

I do like the "mountain" on the right, maybe leave that and make an arch off of it while making the left pillar different. Or leave the mountain and make a short but wide arch on the left? . . . I like arches

Thanks for the suggestion! Arches are a great idea! I'll look into them!

 

[danenelsen]

Was thinking like this:

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Jekyl]

Instead of breaking it down, I would find ways to add more.

 

[Waters]

I personally would break up the existing rock into smaller pieces and build from that. Larger chucks in tight spaces throws off the perspective and makes the tank look smaller than it is. You could keep your two base rocks and just start building branches and overhangs. It will give you the minimalistic look you are going for.

 

[danenelsen]

I personally would break up the existing rock into smaller pieces and build from that. Larger chucks in tight spaces throws off the perspective and makes the tank look smaller than it is. You could keep your two base rocks and just start building branches and overhangs. It will give you the minimalistic look you are going for.

That's a great suggestion! Thank you!

 

[Stephen8169301]

I personally enjoy caves watching fish swim under and around the rocks

 

[MrGisonni]

Look up the golden ratio. You will see how your eye naturally tracks around a well planned photo or in this case an aquascape. The right side looks great but the flow around the scape is interrupted by the large rock on the left.

 

[MrGisonni]